India's Most Famous EV Owners

These past few months have been exciting times for electric vehicles. We began with the launch of Jaguar I Pace, the Audi e-tron, then the ´silently´ exciting Mercedes-Benz EQC and a few days ago we saw the launch of BYD e6, the all-electric MPV from China. With fuel prices sky-rocketing, the reception for EVs has never been better. And in the midst of all this, is the constant buzz and whispers over the anticipated launch of Tesla in India. With so much conversation around EVs, it comes as no surprise that even our country´s top 1%, who can easily weather the fuel price storm, are now buying EVs. It´s early days yet, charging infrastructure in cities is nascent at best, and Bollywood still hasn´t gotten over its obsession with luxury SUVs. But there are still a few famous celebrities and tycoons who house a jaw-dropping EV in their garage. Check them out.

Mukesh Ambani - Tesla Model S 100D

Photo Credit: www.tesla.com

Being the richest man in the nation, there is almost no luxury that is unaffordable for Mukesh Ambani. His home, Antilia, the epitome of grandeur, houses a multi-story garage that can hold up to 168 cars. His fleet of supercars include Rolls Royce, Bentleys, and Mercedes, a Tesla Model S 100D and a Tesla Model X 100D. The Tesla Model S, registered under Reliance Private Limited, is all about powerful engineering. The Model S motors are powerful enough to provide 423 PS at 660 Nm. When charged once, the car shows its excellence for 495 km at a top speed of 250 km/hr with a 0 to 100 km/hr sprint in only 4.3 seconds. In India, Tesla Model S costs Rs. 1.5 Cr inclusive of taxes.

Tesla Model X 100D

Without a doubt, the Ambani clan has the most diverse garage in the country. The second EV imported is Model X 100D, known for its staggering performance. The high-performing beast has 3 motors, which offer 250 PS at 330 Nm torque. The all-wheel-drive car on a full charge will last for 475 km. Of course, with Tesla not yet launched in India, the import costs and custom duties must be staggering. But the richest man in the nation can certainly afford to pay for that.

Riteish Deshmukh - Tesla Model X

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com

Birthdays tend to be most cherished memories, especially if you get a Tesla as a present. Actor Riteish Deshmukh got a Tesla Model X from his wife as a present for his 40th birthday. The red Tesla, that is currently in a left-hand-drive country, made the actor ´feel 20 again´. This seven-seater has got the edge over the Model X as it can cover 0-100 km/hr in 3.2 seconds. Like other members in the list, the red Tesla can cover 475 km in a single charge. The red EV with falcon-wing doors costs about Rs. 2 Cr in India and is worth every penny.

Pooja Batra - Tesla Model 3

Pooja Batra, currently residing in Los Angeles, owns a Tesla Model 3, priced somewhere around Rs. 25-40 lakh. The Model 3 is powerful and offers a run for 423 km on a full charge. Now coming to speed, Model 3 can do a sprint of 0-97 km/hr in only 3.1 seconds. Model 3 is not only powerful, but also smart, with its autopilot and auto-park modes.

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com

Prashanth Ruia – Tesla Model X

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com

The CEO of Essar is the first Indian to import a Tesla in India. He imported a Tesla in 2017, by registering under RTO Mumbai. As it is an electric vehicle, the sporty beast was exempted from RTO taxes and cess. The beast juices up 750 Bhp power and 967 Nm electric torque.

Mandira Bedi – Tata Nexon EV

Photo Credit: cars.tatamotors.com

The Indian actress and television presenter withstood her lockdown woes with a new Tata Nexon EV. She welcomed a tectonic blue shade EV with her husband intending to opt for eco-friendly travel. Though there are a few options in the market in India, Tata Nexon EV can be considered the first proper model in the line of electric vehicles. The EV is priced at Rs. 13.99 lakh, which is half the price of its rivals. The electric car houses a 30.2 kWh battery and a motor that offers 245 Nm torque. In terms of speed, Tata Nexon EV can do a sprint from 0 to 100 km/hr in only 9.9 seconds.

If you are aiming for a sustainable future, it is time to take a look into EVs. Which EV from this list appeals to you the most? Let us know in the comments section.